I'm happy to see Bayless go, but am suprised the Raps couldn't get even a 2nd round pick in a S&T deal. There are only 2 reasons I can understand this move:

1. The team that wants to sign him has ample cap space and won't play games with the Raptors, saying they'd rather not sign Bayless than be forced to giveup an asset to acquire him via S&T. Basically a team called Toronto's bluff of wanting to match an offer, and Toronto just let him walk so he could sign with the team in question without the hassle of the 3-day RFA waiting period. I think that's a smart, classy move on BC's behalf, to keep him in good standing among his fellow GMs (for karma and future goodwill).

2. Toronto has a big trade brewing and needs the cap space that Bayless' qualifying offer (approx. $4.2M) is eating up. Iggy would seem to make too much sense, just based on him seeming to be a BC/DC type of veteran SF and Philly having need for a veteran PG (and possibly PF) - the match is an obvious one, especially given yesterday's rumor. Rudy Gay would be even better, but I highly doubt it's likely to happen. I suppose Deng is another possibility too.

I actually think Bayless has tons of potential. But i think, Calderon should back-up Lowry. Think of what Lowry can gain playing with Caldy. Plus i really want Jose to retire a raptor, he deserves that at least.

I actually think Bayless has tons of potential. But i think, Calderon should back-up Lowry. Think of what Lowry can gain playing with Caldy. Plus i really want Jose to retire a raptor, he deserves that at least.

I also can't see Bayless being happy stuck in backup role behind Lowry. We saw has much he moped last year and played half-assed when he wasn't starting, playing behind an established guy... I can only imagine how much worse he'd be playing behind a guy who lost his starting job last year.

I really like Calderon and think he's an ideal veteran backup behind Lowry. I could see the Raptors liking him for 3 reasons: first, as trade bait this offseason to land a high priced veteran SF; second, for the same reason, but at the trade deadline; third, to re-sign to a cheaper contract after the season, to be a much more affordable veteran backup to Lowry for the next 2-3 years.

I also can't see Bayless being happy stuck in backup role behind Lowry. We saw has much he moped last year and played half-assed when he wasn't starting, playing behind an established guy... I can only imagine how much worse he'd be playing behind a guy who lost his starting job last year.

I really like Calderon and think he's an ideal veteran backup behind Lowry. I could see the Raptors liking him for 3 reasons: first, as trade bait this offseason to land a high priced veteran SF; second, for the same reason, but at the trade deadline; third, to re-sign to a cheaper contract after the season, to be a much more affordable veteran backup to Lowry for the next 2-3 years.

id be down for calderon to back up lowry but the only issue is that lowry had issue with houston because they played dragic over him and felt like only one of them could be in houston. ironically neither are there. I honestly dont mind if calderon or bayless were our backups both have pros and cons but it will be interesting to see what BC does

I wonder if this is part of a sign and trade with phili to expand on that iggy rumor. I remember reading on Doug Smith's months ago that the raptors were thinking of going after Louis Williams. They'd have to amnesty amir to do it but i think the cap would allow jose, ed, demar for iggy, vucevic and louis williams (at 8 million or so a year). Williams tweeted he's done in phili but I haven't read anything about destinations for him and this is probably a more even trade for both sides if they think their going to lose williams for nothing.

Keeping Calderon as a backup instead of Bayless makes more sense. As a starter, Calderon was just a notch under the rest of the starting PGs in the league, but as a backup, he is head and shoulders above any backup in the league. He will give the raps an advantage leading the second unit against any other team's reserves. Yeah it would be expensive, but if you want to win, you have to pay.

As for Bayless, if he is going to be part of a S&T, I think (and this is me just pulling stuff out of my butt) package him, Davis and a pick for Josh Smith. Crazy as it sounds, shift Smith over to SF and all of a sudden our starting 5 would look pretty good.
PG: Lowry/Calderon
SG: DD/Ross/Fields
SF: Smith/JJ/Kleiza
PF: Bargs/Amir or Davis
C: JoVal/Gray

Mixed Feelings

I am sad to see Bayless go, I thought he showed a lot of swagger and he wasn't afraid to drive to the net. It wasn't till late in the season that he found his finishing touch, but unfortunately went down with another injury.

I would've given him another chance, but I guess the Raps Brass have decided Lowry is their future point guard and have no need for Bayless. Sidenote: I really wish we could rescind the Landry Fields offer. It should be a lesson in karma for BC.

I am sad to see Bayless go, I thought he showed a lot of swagger and he wasn't afraid to drive to the net. It wasn't till late in the season that he found his finishing touch, but unfortunately went down with another injury.

I would've given him another chance, but I guess the Raps Brass have decided Lowry is their future point guard and have no need for Bayless. Sidenote: I really wish we could rescind the Landry Fields offer. It should be a lesson in karma for BC.

I am sad to see Bayless go, I thought he showed a lot of swagger and he wasn't afraid to drive to the net. It wasn't till late in the season that he found his finishing touch, but unfortunately went down with another injury.

I would've given him another chance, but I guess the Raps Brass have decided Lowry is their future point guard and have no need for Bayless. Sidenote: I really wish we could rescind the Landry Fields offer. It should be a lesson in karma for BC.

I don't think Bayless is starting PG material.

But I agree completely. I would also like to add Bayless actually likes it here and it is a shame we are letting him go.

I have always argued for Bayless to get more PT with the Raptors & even posted my analysis on him versus Jose. I like Bayless, he's a scoring point guard who can guard. If only his ankles are not made of glass.

We had to rescind his QO to make space for Lowry so I'm fine with it. At the end of the day, Lowry's better.

Good luck JB!

“I don’t create controversies. They’re there long before I open my mouth. I just bring them to your attention.”

I actually think Bayless has tons of potential. But i think, Calderon should back-up Lowry. Think of what Lowry can gain playing with Caldy. Plus i really want Jose to retire a raptor, he deserves that at least.

I agree. And remember, Jose is only expensive this year (while Lowry is a steal). Re-sign Jose to a 3 year contract at a much more reasonable amount (e.g., $5M/yr) in subsequent years, and get ready to pay Lowry more if he earns it. It's nice to have a position solidly covered like this.

P.S. Think of the good locker room influence Jose can be. How could anyone in that locker room speak up and complain that management or the coach didn't respect them, when he is sitting in the corner, working his butt out game after game?